Quick-connect adapter for removably connecting components in a fluid system

ABSTRACT

An adapter for connecting components in a fluid system has an adapter body defining a cylindrical space and lock buttons which are biased into a locked position to secure the adapter to another component. The adapter body has a circular collar defining an inlet into the cylindrical space, a channel defining an outlet out of the cylindrical space, a support wall and a support flange defining one or more cutouts in an outer cylindrical side wall of the adapter body, and a slot defined between the collar and the support wall connecting the one or more cutouts to the cylindrical space. The lock buttons have a contact element positioned in one of the cutouts and an arm projecting positioned in the slot. The arms are partially in the cylindrical space in the locked position and are movable into an unlocked position when the contact elements are moved toward each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/684,453 filed Jun. 13, 2018, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a quick-connect adapter,and, more particularly, to a quick-connect adapter for removablyconnecting components in a fluid system.

BACKGROUND

Connectors in fluid systems include joints and valves that create afluid connection between fluid conduits such as pipes, and hoses, anddispensing devices such as faucets and sprayers, and containers to allowa fluid to flow into and out of components joined by the connector.Removable connectors form joints which can be readily attached anddetached without the need for specialized tools. These connectors needto be able to create a strong connection between components able towithstand the associated fluid pressure without leaking or becomingdetached. Moreover, it should be easy to attach and detach a connectorwhile maintaining the strong bond. Conventional removable connectors ina fluid system include threaded connectors, such as those typicallyfound at the end of a household faucet or hose. However, these and otherconventional connectors are often difficult to attach, are easilydamaged or oxidized, and are prone to leaks. Some fluid systems arefitted with quick-connect adapters utilize a ball lock, pin lock, ortwist lock as a connection mechanism to enable quicker and easierconnection. While these options are useful, they are not always costeffective and may not be suitable in some situations.

The present disclosure is directed to overcoming these and otherproblems of the prior art.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, an adapter for connecting components in a fluidsystem includes an adapter body defining a cylindrical space and one ormore lock buttons. The adapter body includes a circular collar definingan inlet into the cylindrical space, a channel defining an outlet out ofthe cylindrical space, a support wall and a support flange defining oneor more cutouts in an outer cylindrical side wall of the adapter body,and a slot defined between the collar and the support wall connectingthe one or more cutouts to the cylindrical space. The one or more lockbuttons include a contact element positioned in a corresponding cutoutof the one or more cutouts, and an arm projecting away from the contactelement and positioned in the slot. The one or more lock buttons arebiased into a locked position in which a portion of the arms of the oneor more lock buttons are partially in the cylindrical space and aremovable into an unlocked position in which the arms of the one or morelock buttons are covered by the collar such that the arms are not in thecylindrical space.

In another embodiment, a connection system for fluidly connectingcomponents includes a first component and a second component. The firstcomponent includes a cylindrical body defining a channel and acircumferential groove formed in an outer surface of the cylindricalbody. The second component includes a body and a pair of lock buttons.The body defines a cylindrical space configured to receive thecylindrical body of the first component, a pair of cutouts formed in anouter side wall of the body, and a slot connecting the pair of cutoutsto the cylindrical space. The pair of lock buttons each comprise acontact element positioned in a corresponding cutout of the one or morecutouts, and an semi-circular arm projecting away from the contactelement and positioned in the slot. The lock buttons are biased into alocked position in which distal ends of the arms engage the body of thefirst component in the circumferential groove and are movable into anunlocked position in which the distal ends of the arms are moved out ofthe circumferential groove through the contact elements being movedtoward each other.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be madeapparent from the following detailed description of illustrativeembodiments that proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are bestunderstood from the following detailed description when read inconnection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodimentsthat are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that theinvention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed.Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary connector system,consistent with disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary diverter valve of theconnector system of FIG. 1, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the diverter valve of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the diverter valve of FIG. 2A,taken along line A-A of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an exemplary adapter of the connectorsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a front view of the adapter of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a side view of the adapter of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of FIG. 3A, taken alongline B-B of FIG. 3C;

FIG. 3E is an exploded view of the adapter of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a first perspective view of a lock button of the adapter ofFIGS. 3A-3E, consistent with disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 4B is a second perspective view of the lock button of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a front view of the adapter of FIGS. 3A-3E in a lockedposition;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of FIGS. 3A-3E, takenalong line C-C of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a front view of the adapter of FIGS. 3A-3E in an unlockedposition;

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of FIGS. 3A-3E, takenalong line D-D of FIG. 5C;

FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary adapter positioned adjacent to anexemplary diverter valve with a user unlocking the adapter for placementover a portion of the diverter valve;

FIG. 6B illustrates the adapter connected to the diverter valve withuser allowing the adapter to lock on to the diverter valve by releasingthe lock buttons;

FIG. 6C illustrates the adapter still connected to the diverter valveand the user pressing the lock buttons to unlock the adapter; and

FIG. 6D illustrates the adapter being removed from the diverter valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes embodiments of a connector for fluidlyconnecting one component to another with a quick and easy-to-useconnection mechanism. The connector is in the form of an adapter whichmay be placed at the end of a fluid conduit, such as a hose, and whichincludes the connection mechanism for securing the fluid conduit toanother component, such as, but not limited to, a valve which supplies afluid to the fluid conduit through a joint created by the adapter beingjoined to the valve. The adapter includes a space which is configured toreceive a portion of the valve to create a flow path for the fluidthrough the adapter and into (or out of) the fluid conduit connected tothe adapter. The adapter includes one or more lock buttons which aremovable between a retracted (or unlocked) position and an engaged (orlocked) position. The one or more lock buttons include arms which areconfigured to move into the space of the adapter and engage a portion ofthe valve in the locked position and retract into a body of the adapterin the unlocked position to allow the valve to move freely into and outof the space.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary connection system 100 forfluidly connecting components, such as a hose 2 and a sprayer 4 to adiverter valve 6. The connection system 100 preferably includes anadapter 10 that, in the illustrated example, is attached to an end ofthe hose 2. The connection system 100 further includes a diverter outlet12 as part of the diverter valve 6. The adapter 10 is configured toreceive and connect to the diverter outlet 12 to form a joint whichallows fluid, such as water, to flow through the diverter valve 6 andinto the hose 2 and eventually to the sprayer 4. The diverter valve 6 isconfigured to connect to a fluid supply, such as a shower spigot orfaucet and configured to deliver the fluid to the hose 2 through theadapter 10. The connection between the adapter 10 and the diverteroutlet 12 is fluid-tight and removable through a connection mechanism,as will be described in more detail. Further, while the disclosedconnection mechanism is described in an exemplary embodiment asconnecting the end of the hose 2 to the diverter valve 6, it should beunderstood that the adapter 10 may be used to connect other components,such as the hose 2 and the sprayer 4, or other fluid conduit componentsnot specifically shown.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the divertervalve 6. The diverter valve 6 includes the diverter outlet 12, a fluidinlet 14, a fluid outlet 16, and a valve body 18. The fluid inlet 14 isconfigured to connect to a fluid source, such as a shower spigot. Thefluid inlet 14 may include a threaded connector 20 configured to matewith a corresponding threaded connector (not shown) of the fluid source.The fluid outlet 16 is configured to connect to another fluid conduit,such as a shower head. The fluid outlet 16 may include a threadedconnector 22 configured to mate with a corresponding threaded connector(not shown) of the shower head or other fluid conduit. The diverteroutlet 12 may include a diverter nut 24 which is connected to the valvebody 18.

FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the diverter valve 6. The diverter nut 24includes an opening for delivering fluid out of the diverter outlet 12.The diverter valve 6 further includes a control valve 26 which controlsthe flow of fluid from the fluid inlet 14 to either of the fluid outlet16 or the diverter outlet 12. The control valve 26 is preferably locatedin the valve body 18 and movable to control the direction of flowthrough the diverter valve 6. For example, in one position of thecontrol valve 26, fluid is free to flow from the fluid inlet 14 to thefluid outlet 16, in the shower example allowing water to flow to theshower head, and in another position of the control valve, the path tofluid outlet 16 is blocked, and fluid directed from the fluid inlet 14to the diverter outlet 12 and in this case to a hose ending in ahand-held sprayer 4.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the diverter valve 6, taken alongline A-A of FIG. 2B. The control valve 26 includes a spring 28 and aswitch shaft 30. The spring 28 biases the switch shaft 30 toward thediverter outlet 12, closing a path 31 from the fluid inlet 14 to thediverter outlet 12. When the switch shaft 30 is in the biased position,a fluid path exists between the fluid inlet 14 and the fluid outlet 16.The switch shaft 30 is configured to be moved away from the diverteroutlet 12 (upward, as shown in FIG. 2C), against the force of the spring28 in order to open the path from the fluid inlet 14 to the diverteroutlet 12, and closing the path from the fluid inlet 14 to the fluidoutlet 16. In this way, the position of the switch shaft 30 controls theflow of fluid within the diverter valve 6.

The diverter nut 24 is configured to connect to another element (e.g.,the adapter 10) in order to deliver fluid that travels from the fluidinlet 14 to the diverter outlet 12. The diverter nut 24 is preferablysubstantially cylindrical and includes a circumferential groove 32 in anouter surface thereof. The diverter nut 24 further includes one or moreresilient o-rings 34 which are configured to create a fluid-tight sealwhen the diverter nut 24 is connected to the adapter 10. The switchshaft 30 extends into and is movable within the diverter nut 24. Thediverter nut 24 may be a separate element or integral with the valvebody 18. Moreover, it should be understood that the diverter valve 6 isone example of a component which may be connectable to the adapter 10.In other embodiments of the connection system 100, the diverter valve 6may be replaced by a simple fluid outlet which includes theconfiguration of the diverter nut 24 and which may or may not include acontrol valve.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the adapter10. The adapter 10 includes an adapter body 36 and one or more lockbuttons 38. The adapter body 36 is preferably substantially cylindricaland defines a space 40 for receiving another connection element, such asthe diverter nut 24. The space 40 is adjacent to an inlet of the adapter10, thereby allowing another component to enter the space 40. Theadapter 10 may further include a hose ferrule cover 42 which connectsthe adapter to the hose 2, although this is only one example of anelement which may be connected at the outlet end of the adapter 10. Thespace 40 leads to a fluid path through the hose ferrule cover 42 andinto the hose 2. In this way, fluid supplied to the adapter 10 isdelivered to the hose 2. The one or more lock buttons 38 are movablewith respect to the adapter body 36 in order to move between a lockedposition in which the adapter 10 engages and is securely attached to thediverter nut 24 and an unlocked position in which the adapter 10 isfreely movable with respect to the diverter nut 24.

FIGS. 3B and 3C illustrate front and side views of the adapter 10. Thelock buttons 38 are positioned in a side wall 44 of the adapter body 36and are configured to move in a radial direction, inward toward a centerof the space 40 and outward away from the space 40. The lock buttons 38include contact elements 46 which are generally curved to match theshape of the side wall 44. The lock buttons 38 are positioned to allow auser to squeeze the contact elements 46 in the inward direction in orderto move the adapter 10 from the locked to the unlocked position. Whiletwo lock buttons 38 are disclosed, it should be understood thatalternative embodiments may include one lock button or three or morelock buttons of the same or similar configuration.

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the adapter 10, taken along lineB-B of FIG. 3C. The space 40 is generally cylindrical and configured toreceive the diverter nut 24. A projection 48 extends into the space 40and is configured to engage the switch shaft 30 of the diverter valve 6.The projection 48 includes a channel 50 at an outlet of the adapter 10.The channel 50 connects the space 40 to the hose ferrule cover 42 and,ultimately, to the hose 2. The adapter body 36 includes a collar 52which forms a top surface 54 and defines an inlet to the space 40. Thelock buttons 38 are positioned beneath the collar 52 and are movableinto the space 40 through radial movement.

The lock buttons 38 include arms 56 and spring tabs 58 which extend fromthe contact elements 46. The arms 56 extend through a slot 60 beneaththe collar 52, thereby allowing the arms 56 to reach an opposite side ofthe space 40. The spring tabs 58 are configured to engage the adapterbody 36 to maintain the lock buttons 38 in a locked position. Forexample, the adapter body 36 may include ribs 62 which contact a lowerportion of the spring tabs 58 and stop contact elements 46 from movingfurther inward toward the center of the space 40. The ribs 62 areconnected to a support wall 64 which surrounds the space 40 and extendsupward from a support flange 66 surrounding the projection 48. The slot60 is formed between the collar 52 and the support wall 64. When thelock buttons 38 are pressed inward with sufficient force, the springtabs 58 are configured to bend to allow the contact elements 46 to movefurther inward and the arms 56 to move further within the slot 60,thereby exposing the full width of the cylindrical space 40 (therebyallowing insertion or removal of the diverter nut 24). When the pressureis released, the spring tabs 58 push off of the ribs 62 in order toreturn the contact elements 46 (and arms 56) to the original position(where they inhibit insertion or removal of the diverter nut 24). Thisarrangement is described in greater detail with reference to FIGS.5A-5D, below.

FIG. 3E is an exploded view of the adapter 10 with the lock buttons 38and hose ferrule cover 42 removed from the adapter body 36. The adapterbody 36 includes semi-cylindrical cutouts 68 defined by the support wall64 and support flange 66 and configured to receive the contact elements46. The slot 60 connects the cylindrical cutouts 68 to the space 40. Inan exemplary embodiment, the ribs 62 include pairs of triangularsurfaces which connect to the support wall 64 and the support flange 66,but are not limited to this configuration. The hose ferrule cover 42 isa cylindrical element which connects to a nozzle 70 of the adapter body36, such as through an interference fit or threaded connection.

The lock buttons 38 include the arms 56 which extend outwardly from atop portion of the contact elements 46. In an exemplary embodiment, thearms 56 are curved in a direction parallel to the curvature of thecylindrical space 40 and collar 52. The arms 56 are also dimensioned tofit within the slot 60 such that the curved arms 56 are configured toencircle one half of the space 40 beneath the collar 52. In the lockedposition, the half circles formed by the arms 56 are offset from eachother and distal ends of the arms are in the space 40. In the unlockedposition, the half circles of the arms 56 together form a completecircle which is covered by the collar 52. Each arm 56 may include anextension 72 positioned an a respective distal end of the arm 56 andextending in a radial direction away from a center of the correspondingcontact element 46. Each contact element 46 may also include a notch 74configured to receive the extension 72 of the opposite lock button 38.

FIGS. 4A and 4B further illustrate perspective views of a lock button38. The arms 56 are preferably formed as extensions of the circularcurvature of the contact elements 46, forming a half circle whichreaches a point which is opposite a center of the contact element 46.The notch 74 is formed in the contact element 46 at the proximal end ofthe half circle. The extension 72 is located at the distal end of thehalf circle. The notch 74 is sized to match the shape of the extension72 and may include a wide entrance to permit ease of entry of theextension 72 of the opposite lock button 38. The spring tab 58 is formedas a rectangular element which extends downwardly below the notch 74,but is not limited to this configuration. In alternative embodiments,the spring tab 58 may be formed as a coil spring which engages thesupport wall 64 of the adapter body 36 and biases the contact elements46 outward.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the adapter 10 with the lock buttons 38 in alocked position. The contact elements 46 protrude slightly from theadapter body 36. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the adapter 10,taken along line C-C of FIG. 5A, showing the location of the arms 56within the slot 60 when the adapter 10 is in the locked position (seearrows). In this position, the distal ends of the arms 56 are positionedin the space 40, thereby partially blocking an entrance and exit intothe space 40. As shown, the arms 56 of the lock buttons 38 areconfigured such that each half circle is offset from each other and adistal end portion of each arm 56 is in the cylindrical space 40. Inthis manner, the arms 56 engage the circumferential groove 32 of thediverter nut 24 (when inserted) to prevent removal of the diverter nut24.

FIGS. 5C and 5D illustrate the adapter 10 with the lock buttons 38 in anunlocked position, such as when they are squeezed by the user. In thisposition, the contact elements 46 are pressed inward toward a center ofthe space 40, such as by a user squeezing the contact elements 46 towardeach other. FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the adapter 10, takenalong line D-D of FIG. 5C, showing the location of the arms 56 outsidethe slot 60 when the adapter is in the unlocked position. In thisposition, the movement of the contact elements 46 inward forces thedistal ends of the arms 56 outward and out of the space 40 such that thearms 56 are entirely covered by the collar 52. As shown, each halfcircle of the arms 56 together form a complete circle which is coveredby the collar 52. In this way, the space 40 is not obstructed by thearms 56. This allows for insertion or removal of the diverter nut 24,since the arms no longer engage the walls that define circumferentialgroove 32. With the radial movement of the arms 56, the extensions 72move into the corresponding notches of the opposite lock button 38. Thelock buttons 38 thereby press against each other and further radialmovement is stopped. When pressure is released from the contact elements46, the spring tabs 58 act to force the contact elements 46 outwarduntil the arms 56 are back to the position of FIGS. 5A and 5B (i.e. thelocked position).

The disclosed adapter 10 includes a connection mechanism formed by theadapter body 36 and lock buttons 38 which includes movable arms 56 whichselectively enter the space 40 defined by the adapter body 36. Thiscreates a locking action which enables the adapter 10 to be quickly andeasily attached to another element, such as the diverter valve 6, and,in particular, the diverter nut 24 of the diverter outlet 12. Forexample, the movable arms 56, which are biased into the locked positionin which they are located within the space 40, are shaped to fit withinthe circumferential groove 32 of the diverter nut 24. Pressing thecontact elements 46 thereby moves the arms 56 out of engagement with thecircumferential groove 32, allowing the diverter nut 24 to freely moveinto and out of the space 40. Releasing the pressure on the contactelements 46 when the diverter nut 24 is positioned in the space 40 snapsthe arms 56 into engagement with the circumferential groove 32.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an exemplary process by which the adapter 10 isconnected to the diverter valve 6. In FIG. 6A, the lock buttons 38 aredepressed, thereby retracting the arms 56 such that they are covered bythe collar 52 and the space 40 is unobstructed. Due to the half-circleconfiguration, the arms 56 are retracted by moving outward, away from acenter of the space 40, in conjunction with the inward movement of thecontact elements 46 on the opposite side of the space 40. The size andcurvature of the arm 56 generally matches the size and curvature of thecollar 52 such that the arms 56 are hidden when the contact elements 46are pressed toward each other.

In FIG. 6B, with the lock buttons 38 depressed, the adapter 10 is movedover the diverter nut 24 which extends outward from the diverter valve6. This causes the projection 48 to contact the switch shaft 30 and movethe switch shaft 30 in an axial direction against the force of thespring 28, thereby opening the path 31. The lock buttons 38 are releasedby the user causing the spring tabs 58 to push the contact elements 46outward and moving the arms 56 inward back into the space 40. The arms56 engage the circumferential groove 32 of the diverter nut 24, therebylocking the adapter 10 to the diverter valve 6. The o-rings 34 engagethe adapter body 36 to seal the connection. In this position, a flowpath through the path 31 and channel 50 fluidly connects the fluid inlet14 to the hose 2. The adapter 10 is thus connected to the diverter valve6 and fluid is free to flow to the sprayer 4.

In FIG. 6C, the lock buttons 38 are depressed in order to move theadapter 10 back to the unlocked position for removal. The arms 56 areagain retracted beneath the collar 52 and moved out of thecircumferential groove 32. This frees the diverter nut 24 to be removedfrom the space, as shown in FIG. 6D. The switch shaft 30 is released andthe spring 28 closes the path 31 such that the fluid outlet 16 is againfluidly connected to the fluid inlet 14.

The disclosed adapter provides an effective connector for attaching onefluid conduit to another quickly and easily. The adapter can be attachedwith a snap-on action by simply releasing the lock buttons toautomatically engage the diverter valve (or other component, such as aspigot or faucet with the configuration of the disclosed diverter nut).The adapter is also easily detached through a similar action ofdepressing the lock buttons. The adapter forms a tight seal and lockedconnection. The components of the connection system 100 may be formedfrom selected materials such as ABS plastic, electroplated ABS plastic,stainless steel, POM plastic, etc.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopeand spirit being indicated by the following claims. The system,components, and processes of the figures are not exclusive. Othersystems, components, and processes may be derived in accordance with theprinciples of the invention to accomplish the same objectives. Althoughthis invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments and variationsshown and described herein are for illustration purposes only.Modifications to the current design may be implemented by those skilledin the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.

1. An adapter for connecting components in a fluid system, comprising:an adapter body defining a cylindrical space and comprising: a circularcollar defining an inlet into the cylindrical space; a channel definingan outlet out of the cylindrical space; a support wall and a supportflange defining one or more cutouts in an outer cylindrical side wall ofthe adapter body; and a slot defined between the collar and the supportwall connecting the one or more cutouts to the cylindrical space; andone or more lock buttons, each comprising: a contact element positionedin a corresponding cutout of the one or more cutouts; and an armprojecting away from the contact element and positioned in the slot,wherein the one or more lock buttons are biased into a locked positionin which a portion of the arm of the one or more lock buttons ispartially in the cylindrical space and movable into an unlocked positionin which the arms of the one or more lock buttons are covered by thecollar such that the arms are not in the cylindrical space.
 2. Theadapter of claim 1, wherein the adapter further comprises a nozzle and ahose ferrule cover for connecting the adapter to a hose.
 3. The adapterof claim 1, wherein the contact elements are generally curved to matchthe shape of the side wall of the adapter body.
 4. The adapter of claim3, wherein the one or more lock buttons comprise two lock buttons andthe contact elements of the two lock buttons are opposed from each otherto allow a user to squeeze the lock buttons toward each other.
 5. Theadapter of claim 1, wherein the adapter body further comprises aprojection which projects from the support flange into the cylindricalspace toward the inlet.
 6. The adapter of claim 5, wherein the channelis formed in the projection.
 7. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the oneor more lock buttons each further comprise a spring tab which biases theone or more lock buttons into the locked position.
 8. The adapter ofclaim 7, wherein the adapter body further comprises one or more ribsconnected to the support wall and located in the one or more cutouts,and wherein a lower portion of the spring tab contacts the one or moreribs and the spring tab is configured to bend against the one or moreribs when pressure is applied to allow the contact element to movefurther inward and the arm to move further within the slot, and whereinthe spring tab pushes against the one or more ribs to return the one ormore lock buttons to the locked position when the pressure is released.9. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the arms of the one or more lockbuttons are curved in a direction generally parallel to a curvature ofthe cylindrical space and the circular collar.
 10. The adapter of claim9, wherein the arms of the one or more lock buttons form a half circlewhich reaches a point opposite a center of the contact element.
 11. Theadapter of claim 10, wherein the one or more lock buttons comprise twolock buttons, and wherein, in the locked position, the arms of the twolock buttons are configured such that each half circle is offset fromeach other and a distal end portion of each arm is in the cylindricalspace, and, in the unlocked position, each half circle of the armstogether form a complete circle which is covered by the collar.
 12. Theadapter of claim 11, wherein each arm of the two lock buttons comprisesan extension which extends in a radial direction and each contactelement of the two lock buttons comprises a notch configured to receivethe extension of the other of the two lock buttons when the two lockbuttons are moved into the unlocked position.
 13. A connection systemfor fluidly connecting components, comprising: a first componentcomprising a cylindrical body defining a channel and a circumferentialgroove formed in an outer surface of the cylindrical body; a secondcomponent comprising: a body defining a cylindrical space configured toreceive the cylindrical body of the first component, a pair of cutoutsformed in an outer side wall of the body, and a slot connecting the pairof cutouts to the cylindrical space; and a pair of lock buttons, eachcomprising: a contact element positioned in a corresponding cutout ofthe one or more cutouts; and an semi-circular arm projecting away fromthe contact element and positioned in the slot, wherein the lock buttonsare biased into a locked position in which distal ends of the armsengage the body of the first component in the circumferential groove andare movable into an unlocked position in which the distal ends of thearms are moved out of the circumferential groove through the contactelements being moved toward each other.
 14. The connection system ofclaim 13, wherein the first component is a diverter valve comprising afluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a diverter outlet.
 15. The connectionsystem of claim 14, wherein the diverter outlet includes a diverter nuthaving the cylindrical body with the circumferential groove.
 16. Theconnection system of claim 13, wherein the first component furthercomprises one or more o-rings configured to create a seal when the firstcomponent is positioned in the cylindrical space of the secondcomponent.